Gaines had declined to preview the documentary, which tells the story of a bond that developed between he and Mullins, a player from Ole Miss, after Mullins was paralyzed after Gaines' hit in a game in 1989. Mullins died two years later.

The towels were for Gaines' tears.

"I knew I would need them, and they are soaking wet," Gaines said after watching the 90-minute documentary in the Sarratt Cinema on Vanderbilt's campus. "It was absolutely beautiful. It was incredible. I was never worried about the finished product. I think it's fantastic."

"I really think this film is a positive thing for our country to see at this time," Brewer said, referring to the racial issues in Ferguson (Mo.). "I can't wait until the rest of the world gets to see it."

Others in attendance included several of Mullins' teammates, former Vanderbilt quarterback John Gromos, who threw the pass to Gaines on the fateful play, and all of Gaines' brothers — Greg, Jeff and Chris.